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Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Ryder: Bird of Prey... Review

About the book:The Maltese Falcon was no mere legend—this fabulously jewelled golden bird really existed. Still exists, according to the last words of a dying man. Ayesha Ryder is on its trail, but not just to find the Falcon itself. It is said to contain a clue to the lost burial place of King Harold of England, a potent symbol for ruthless politicians determined to break up the UK and create a new, independent English Kingdom. The Falcon may also contain a second clue, one that few would believe.Labelled an assassin, hunted by Scotland Yard and Dame Imogen Worsely of MI5—as well as those who want the Falcon and its secrets for themselves—Ayesha joins forces with Joram Tate, the mysterious librarian known to her friend Lady Madrigal, a one-time lover of Lawrence of Arabia. As Ayesha’s attraction to Tate grows, they follow clues left by long-dead knights to the tomb of a Saxon king and to the ruined Battle Abbey. When the trail leads them to a stunning secret hidden for a thousand years beneath an English castle, Ayesha must battle modern killers with medieval weapons before confronting the evil that would destroy her nation

Ayesha Ryder is fast becoming one of my favorite literary characters. She's a female Indiana Jones with guts and gumption and skill. Her history is tragic, but she has risen above it and her curiosity for history has made her an expert. Searching for the not-so-mythical Maltese Falcon, Ayesha is drawn into a dangerous game involving murder and an overthrow of the British Prime Minister. In order to stop it, she must discover the tomb of King Harold, who died at the Battle of Hastings, and locate his sword.

Historically rich, I loved that most of the action was set in Hastings, England and involved so much of the 1066 battle area. My husband is from Hastings, so I'd ask him about some of the places mentioned and they were familiar to him.

Third in the Ayesha Ryder series, the novel can stand alone, but my recommendation is that you read the entire series in order. Many characters return including Dame Imogen and Lady Madrigal. The addition of Joram was terrific. There is more to his story and I really hope he becomes a regular.

The story contains mild sexuality and moderate profanity.

Thanks to TLC Book Tours and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book. Your can learn more about Nick Pengelley here. You can see other reviews and tour stops here. You can purchase your own copy here.

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